Madison, WI vs St. Paul, MN: Cost of Living Comparison
St. Paul has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Madison | St. Paul | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 100 | 90 | St. Paul |
| Housing | 100 ($955) | 80 ($874) | St. Paul |
| Transportation | 98 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Madison |
| Food & groceries | 103 ($422) | 98 ($402) | St. Paul |
| Utilities | 100 ($180) | 90 ($144) | St. Paul |
| Healthcare | 100 ($130) | 90 ($104) | St. Paul |
| Median annual wage | 104 ($50,270) | 117 ($56,920) | Madison |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Madison, WI or St. Paul, MN cheaper to live in?
St. Paul, MN is cheaper overall by about 10 index points (Madison, WI: 100, St. Paul, MN: 90; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Madison, WI vs St. Paul, MN?
A single adult needs roughly $35,000/year in Madison, WI and $31,500/year in St. Paul, MN to cover basic living costs.